Suitcases of Stories: Revisiting Global Adventures

Reunion reflections, alumnae memories, and student showcases.

by Emma K. Gee

During Hollins Reunion 2025, a photo of students in Italy in the late 1960s appeared during a presentation on the university’s history of global learning.

Yates Nobles ’65 gasped when she saw it, recognizing students and faculty with whom she had traveled during a tour of Europe.

Artichoke Fountain at the Pitti Palace in Florence, Hollins Abroad Paris, 1967-1968 in Italy.

“It was just this thrill of remembrance,” she said. “Seeing the aftermath of WWII destruction and how that varied from behind the Iron Curtain and in western Europe was stunning and very emotional. Getting to know students in Eastern Berlin, who confided their efforts to escape from behind the wall, and facing our inability to take them with us or to help in any way, was excruciating.”

Nobles’ travels that summer presented her and other students with the “unrepeatable opportunity” to experience many different cultures and perspectives. During the academic year, Nobles studied in France, where she stayed with a family in Paris, practicing her French skills in real time.

“My first dinner with Madame and her family, it was a lovely sit-down meal,” she said. “I had French, but it wasn’t strong. When she asked if I would like a second serving, I said, ‘Non, Madame, je suis pleine.’ And everybody at the table cracked up, because it meant ‘I’m pregnant,’ not full!”

When she wasn’t in class, Nobles said students had opportunities to plan their own travels — “to take charge of our lives at an early age.”

“The myriad gifts of Hollins Abroad have shaped the lives of so many Hollins grads who became vibrant, productive, thoughtful, resilient, and open human beings whom I am sure have made a global difference,” Nobles said.

“Hollins Abroad: 70th Anniversary Exhibition” at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum.

Today, home stays are required for students enrolled in language immersion programs in France and Spain. But home stay or not, students continue to return to campus with gasp-worthy photographs and mementos.

Some of those mementos were on display during the “Hollins Abroad: 70th Anniversary Exhibition” at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum. Items loaned or donated by alumnae/i included:

• A “wash and wear” dress worn by Emelyn “Hemmie” Sheffield Gilmore ’58 and her roommate on a 1956-57 European tour
• A record by Georges Moustaki that Mary Watkins ’73 and her roommate played on repeat in Paris in 1971
• A Eurail map from Judy Morrill ’84 marked with handwritten routes from her travels to Paris in 1982
• Toys from Kinder chocolate eggs collected by Holly Peterson ’97 in London in 1996

The exhibit was curated by the museum’s Associate Director Laura Jane Ramsburg M.A.L.S. ’14, Visitor Services and Programs Coordinator Laura Carden Ilawan ’17, and Assistant Professor of International Studies Ashleigh Breske M.A.L.S. ’07 and her Cultural Property Rights and Museums class.

“So much of Hollins study abroad is about everyday life,” Ramsburg and Ilawan said. “As we put out the call to alumnae/i for submissions to the 70th anniversary exhibition, we focused on both representing the extraordinary experiences and honoring the small moments these programs offer. Memorabilia ranged from postcards and ticket stubs to music records and clothing. Through the artifacts, alumnae/i enjoyed seeing their memories reflected through the decades, and visitors learned the value of an education abroad.”

The exhibit also featured oral histories from 25 alumnae/i, including Anita Barker Cummins ’57, who traveled in the first study abroad cohort to Paris in 1955.

“When asked for advice to current students, almost everyone said, ‘You should go,’” Breske said.

During March’s Career Connection Conference (C3), students who recently studied abroad or participated in domestic or international internships presented posters during the “Experiential Learning Showcase,” highlighting newly acquired skills and perspectives.

Director of Global Learning Ramona Kirsch said the showcase, which is expected to return for a third year in 2026, embodies Hollins’ commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging.

“The students’ posters not only reflect their hard work and dedication, but they serve as stepping stones toward their personal and professional growth,” she said during the showcase’s opening remarks. “We are so proud of all our students for their achievements and the meaningful work they’ve done.”

Azjargal “Azaa” Khurelchuluun sharing her experiences at the Showcase.

Azjargal “Azaa” Khurelchuluun ’26 shared her experience interning in Paris in 2024 as a credit analyst at Viatelease, a firm specializing in medical equipment. She attended client meetings in French, reviewed financial statements, and managed business correspondence.

During January Term (J-Term) 2025, she completed a second internship with Estée Lauder Companies’ global communications team in New York, where she was “warmly welcomed by two incredible Hollins alumnae.”

“It was an environment that encouraged curiosity, confidence, and collaboration. Drawing on my prior experience in finance, I contributed to a 160-slide earnings call presentation — an ambitious and rewarding finale to a fast-paced month of learning,” Khurelchuluun said. “These internships not only deepened my academic and professional growth, they also affirmed the power of a Hollins education to connect, empower, and elevate whether in Paris, New York, or beyond.”

Khurelchuluun credited the Global Learning office, including Kirsch and Director of International Student Engagement Erin Carney, “whose guidance made every step of the study abroad and visa process possible.” She’s also thankful for the Career and Life Design staff, especially Associate Director Amber Becke, who connected across time zones to review her résumé in preparation for her Estée Lauder opportunity.

At the showcase, Khurelchuluun shared insights from both internships and celebrated the accomplishments of her peers.

“Each presentation reflected not only academic excellence, but also the courage to step beyond comfort zones and grow through real-world experience,” she said

Becke added, “This event is a platform for students to articulate their journey. More than that, it’s a powerful, collaborative celebration of their growth, ensuring they are prepared and inspired for life after Hollins.”

Since Nobles’ 1963 travels to Paris and Moscow, Hollins’ global learning opportunities have grown exponentially.

“My hope is that there is a continued and increasing emphasis on global citizenship,” Nobles said. “Everything is from everywhere. There’s no way we’re going back. And to be able to speak a second language is really amazing. I speak French at least 25% of the time
now, in Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s a living thing that stays your whole life. I think it’s just great that Hollins is pushing forward with it.”